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Carrot Cake

My Grandma Jackson had this incredible carrot cake recipe that everyone in our family loved. I've made a few updates to Grandma's yummy dessert, like buying a 16-ounce bag of baby carrots, which are already peeled, then grinding them in a food processor--not grating them, and adding a little coconut to make it even more moist and fabulous. Sometimes I make this recipe as cupcakes, which everyone goes crazy over, so I thought I would share this family recipe for all to enjoy. This version is for a three-layer cake.
  • 2 cups all purpose flour
  • 2 cups granulated sugar
  • 2 teaspoons baking powder
  • 2 teaspoons baking soda
  • 2 teaspoons cinnamon
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 16 ounces baby carrots, finely chopped in food processor (3 cups)
  • 1 cup vegetable oil
  • 4 eggs
  • 1 cup chopped pecans
  • 1/2 cup coconut
Sift together flour, sugar, baking powder, baking soda, cinnamon, and salt. Set aside. Mix together chopped carrots, oil, eggs, pecans, and coconut until well blended. Add the flour mixture. Lightly smear oil or butter around inside edges of three round cake pans, the sprinkle with flour, then shake off excess flour. Evenly divide the cake batter into the three pans and bake for 30 to 35 minutes at 325 degrees F. Cool completely then frost with cream cheese frosting.
  • 8 ounces cream cheese, softened to room temperature
  • 1/2 cup butter, softened to room temperature
  • 16 ounces powdered sugar
To make frosting, mix the above three ingredients together until smooth and creamy. Frost the three layers of cake, then garnish with additional chopped nuts if desired. In this cake below, I wanted the finely chopped pecans to look like the sand of a beach, then added some colorful mini umbrella toothpicks to finish the beach look.
This week I have celebrated the birthdays of three different friends! Yesterday I hosted a 40th birthday party for one of my neighbors, Sherrie, and posted pictures on Facebook of that big soirée. I love birthdays and hope that whom ever sees this will make sure I know when your big day is so I can party with you, long distance or in person.
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Comments

Lisa said…
Wow! You made lovely treats!
July 17, 2009 2:49 PM
Lisa said…
PS - November 15th ;-)
July 17, 2009 2:50 PM
Unknown said…
You do throw a great party. It looks like you have had plenty to keep you busy during the summer. I too am always up for a little party, who doesn't love a little celebration.
July 18, 2009 12:41 PM
Lonna said…
Blast that last one was from Lonna...not james.
July 18, 2009 12:42 PM
Hildie said…
SO how did the salmon turn out?
July 18, 2009 3:09 PM
It's Been a Day! said…
You always know how to throw a party. I saw your pics on facebook and it looks like it was a total success.
July 20, 2009 8:04 AM
Bobbi said…
You are an impressive hostess. Making lovely treats is not a skill I have, so I love to see your party pics.
July 25, 2009 2:57 AM
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